OFTEN, vendors in markets cite high capital and significant gasoline or logistic costs as reasons for high prices.
But, Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) has good news as starting June 1, trucks carrying agricultural products passing through major expressways are eligible for rebates.
However, only vehicles accredited by the Department of Agriculture (DA) and with RFID can benefit from this.
The TRB aims to protect the public by reducing the impact of toll rate increases on tollways.
“This program aims to protect the welfare of the general public by minimizing the impact of toll rate increase on the overall inflationary situation to ensure the stability of food prices. The TRB, together with the different government agencies, acknowledges the toll expressway concessionaires and operators for their full support and cooperation as this will not be possible if they did not agree to implement this exemption,” said Atty. Alvin A. Carullo, Executive Director, Toll Regulatory Board.
DA to open online accreditation for agri-trucks
The Department of Agriculture sees this as a welcome development, especially for the over 900 trucks carrying agricultural products traveling through major expressways.
Most of these trucks come from the National Capital Region (NCR) going to Regions 1 to 5.
The Agriculture Department will also open online applications to expedite and reduce processing costs.
“On the part of the DA, they need to go to the Central Office or our Regional field offices then submit the requirements and when everything is okay, they will be given stickers and accreditations. The online application is currently being arranged and hopefully will be smooth soon,” stated Asec. Arnel de Mesa, Spokesperson, DA.
SINAG: Goods prices could drop 5%-10% with Agri-truck rebate
The Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (SINAG) is positive that this program will help reduce transportation costs, thereby lowering prices of goods.
“It’s a big thing if ultimately toll fees are eliminated and prices are reduced by 5% to 10% if the program is fully implemented,” Jayson Cainglet, Executive Director, SINAG stressed.
Despite this program, SINAG is still calling for toll-free agricultural highways to avoid adding to the price increases of basic goods like rice, pork, and chicken.
“We’ve been requesting since last year for toll-free agricultural commodities so they won’t contribute to the rising prices of our basic goods like rice, pork, and chicken if our highways are toll-free for agricultural goods,” Cainglet added.
Retailers often attribute price hikes to transportation costs.
Nevertheless, the program will last for three months.
Rebates will range from P2 to P156 depending on distance and vehicle type.
This is equivalent to the toll rate increase implemented in June 2023.
